The acquisition will allow Roche to access Stratos Genomics’ advanced Sequencing by Expansion (SBX) chemistry, and complement the development of its nanopore technology
The Roche Tower, headquarters of Hoffmann-La Roche in Basel. (Credit: Taxiarchos228/Wikipedia.)
Roche has acquired Stratos Genomics, an early-stage sequencing technology company, for an undisclosed amount, to support the development of its nanopore sequencer technology.
The Swiss healthcare company is developing a nanopore sequencer, aimed at providing faster and more accurate medical information for the healthcare community and patients to predict risk and diagnose disease.
In addition, the new transaction will enable the company to access Stratos Genomics’ advanced Sequencing by Expansion (SBX) chemistry, and complement the development of its nanopore technology.
Roche Diagnostics CEO Thomas Schinecker said: “Roche is dedicated to creating innovative diagnostics for the most challenging clinical conditions with techniques that are tailored to individual genetic and disease profiles.
“These solutions address the demands of research and clinical practice to deliver on the promise of personalised healthcare for patients.
“We look forward to further advancing our sequencing technology as we move to the next generation of healthcare and welcome the world-class scientists and employees from Stratos Genomics to Roche.”
Stratos’ SBX chemistry will be added to the Roche’s nanopore sequencer
According to the company, genomics insights generated through sequencing DNA would play a key role in future personalised healthcare and clinical diagnostics.
Roche’s nanopore sequencer is expected to deploy an advanced approach that combines the electronic and biological components to sequence DNA for rapid, flexible and cost-effective clinical diagnostic testing.
Once fully developed, the SBX chemistry will be added to the nanopore sequencer to provide the healthcare community with an affordable, quick and flexible solution for multiple targeted clinical applications, along with whole exome and whole genome sequencing.
Under the terms of the transaction, Stratos Genomics is planned to continue its operations in Seattle, Washington, US.
Stratos Genomics president and CEO Mark Kokoris said: “We are thrilled to join the Roche family, which will allow us to combine our unique Sequencing by Expansion chemistry with the Roche nanopore sequencer.
“With our combined expertise and complementary technologies, we are well-positioned to open the path to deliver scalable, high-performance sequencing to clinicians and researchers.”